Device for and method of temporary sterilizing a female

ABSTRACT

A female is temporarily sterilized by blocking the entrance to the uterus at the oviduct exit by means of a plug comprising (a) a blocking plate, which blocks the uterus entrance, (b) a plug positioning plate, which is passed through the wall of the uterus and (C) a stem which joins the blocking and positioning plates. For emplacing the plug, the shaft which carries the plug to its blocking position has a cutting blade at its forward end which cuts an opening through the wall of the uterus through which the positioning plate of the plug is then passed. The plug is then ejected from the support rod, which is thereafter withdrawn. Dye may be pumped into the uterus to facilitate observation of the process.

[ 1 July 11,1972

DEVICE FOR AND METHOD OF TEMPORARY STERILIZING A FEMALE Hugo S. Clmber,22 Seven Gables Road, Staten Island, NY. 10304 Filed: May 11, I970App1.No.: 35,995

Inventor:

U.S.Cl ..I20/1, 128/130, 128/347 Int. Cl...................A6II5/46,A6lb 19/00, A6lb 17/34FieldoISearcll...................,..128/1,127,I30,131, 215,

References Clted UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS1,141 4/1865 GreatBritain ..l28/l27 114,794 4/1926 Switzerland....................l28/13l Primary Examiner-Channing L. PaceAuorney-Ostrolenk, Faber, Gerb 8t Sofl'en [5 7] ABSTRACT A female istemporarily sterilized by blocking the entrance to the uterus at theoviduct exit by means of a plug comprising (a) a blocking plate, whichblocks the uterus entrance, (b) a plug positioning plate, which ispassed through the wall of the uterus and (C) a stem which joins theblocking and positioning plates. For emplacing the plug, the shah whichcarries the plug to its blocking position has a cutting blade at itsforward end which cuts an opening through the wall of the uterus throughwhich the positioning plate of the plug is then passed. The plug is thenejected from the support rod, which is thereafter withdrawn. Dye may bepumped into the uterus to facilitate observation of the process.

23 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEnJuLH I37Z 3,675,639

SHEET 2 [IF 2 DEVICE FOR AND METHOD OF TEMPORARY STERILIZING A FEMALEThis invention relates to temporary sterilization of females, and moreparticularly to a device and method of emplacement thereof for blockingthe entrance into the uterus from an oviduct.

Conventionally, mechanical contraceptive devices for temporarilysterilizing a female may consist of intra-uterine contraceptive devices,which are located within, but are not secured against falling out of,the uterus. Hence, temporary sterilization might be lost without thefemale being aware of it. In addition, such devices damage the walls ofthe uterus and interfere with the menstrual cycle. Furthermore,intra-uterine devices do not block the oviducts and their contraceptiveaction is not known yet.

Alternatively, temporary sterilization is accomplished by occluding theoviducts. But, such occlusion may cause the walls of the oviducts toadhere to each other, thereby permanently blocking them.

It is desirable therefore, to provide a mechanical means for temporarilysterilizing a female, which means will not accidentally fall out orshift or cause damage to the uterus or permanent sterilization.

The device of the invention comprises a plug. The plug includes ablocking plate located within the uterus near its entrance and of a sizeto block both the entrance of ova into the uterus from the oviduct andthe exit of sperm from the uterus into the oviduct. The plug alsoincludes a positioning plate, which is passed through an opening thathas been cut in the wall of the uterus, and seats upon the exterior wallof the uterus. A thin, stretchable and resilient stern passes throughthe aforementioned opening in the wall of the uterus and joins theblocking and positioning plates. The two plates are drawn toward eachother, which locks them in position. The stem causes the plates to beoriented to each other such that the blocking plate is held over theentrance to the uterus. To accomplish this, the stem meets both of theplates at an oblique angle. The stem permits the two plates to maintaintheir proper positions no matter how thick the wall of the uterus maybe.

One benefit provided by the present invention is that the plug used forblocking the entrance to the uterus does not contact the part of thewall of the uterus which is shed during menstruation. The adverseinfluence on the body of the female, that frequently occurs withintra-uterine contraceptive devices which contact the parts of theuterine wall that are shed, is avoided.

The plug has a removal means secured to it for permitting removal of theplug when temporary sterilization is no longer desired. The removalmeans may include a suture which hangs freely within the uterus, whereit is available for being grasped and pulled. Pulling draws thepositioning plate of the plug through the opening in the wall of theuterus and causes the entire plug to shift into the uterus, from whichit can be readily removed.

An insertion device is provided for emplacing the plug. The insertiondevice includes a shaft which is passed through the vagina and thecervix and into the uterus. At the forward end of the shaft ispositioned a means for causing an opening in the wall of the uterus,e.g., a cutting blade. Immediately behind the uterine wall opening meansis located a means for can'ying the plug into the uterus and forpositioning it. The carrying means also carries the positioning plate ofthe plug through the opening in the wall of the uterus.

On the shaft, behind the position at which the plug positioning plate issupported is a projecting stopper device to prevent overtravel of thecutting blade through the uterine wall.

In alternate embodiment, the insertion device is curved gradually nearits forward end, so that the device can be oriented during its insertionto the natural curvature of the vagina and uterus. After the cuttingblade has entered the uterus, the shaft is rotated to orient it so thatthe blade faces toward the side of the uterus through which an openingis to be made, thus facilitating cutting an opening near the oviductoutlet.

An ejection means, associated with the insertion device shaft, isoperated to release the plug from the carrying means on the shaft afterthe plug has been positioned. Then the shaft with its attachments isremoved. The plug is now in position.

A hollow transport tube is passed through the vagina and the cervix intothe uterus. The shaft, attachments and plug are pased through this tube,which protects the body and directs the shaft.

It is usually necessary for the doctor emplacing the plug to observe theemplacement procedure. Accordingly, means is provided for pumping anobservable dye into the uterus. The dye could be one that is opaque toX-rays, so that the entire emplacement procedure may be observed byfluoroscopy. The dye is carried through a conduit that runs along thehollow transport tube.

After emplacement hm been completed and it is felt that the plug is inits proper position, observable dye is again pumped into the uterus tomake certain that the oviduct and the uterus have been sealed off,thereby ensuring temporary sterilization.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention toprovide temporary sterilization of a female.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means fortemporary sterilization of a female without the possibility that thesterilization will terminate without the knowledge of the female.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means forblocking the passage of sperm into the oviduct and for blocking thepassage of ova into the uterus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means foremplacing a means for providing temporary sterilization.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a methodfor temporarily sterilizing a female.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a blocking means of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device for inserting the blockingmeans of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the forward section of themeans of FIG. 2 in the direction of and between arrows 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of an alternate form of themeans shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the means of FIG. 2 along the lineand in the direction of arrows 5 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a sequence of events in the blocking meansemplacement procedure.

Turning to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 6, the presentinvention is directed to a means for blocking the narrowed entrance 10into the uterus 12 from the oviduct or Fallopian Tube 14 for preventingova from traveling from the ovary through the oviduct into the uterusand for preventing sperm within the uterus from traveling into theoviduct. The invention is also directed to a device for and a method ofemplacing this means. The blocking means of the invention is readilypositioned within the uterus, rather than in the outlet intramural part14 of the oviduct, because the outlet of the oviduct, includes a narrow,tortuous pathway which is difficult to locate and block.

Turning to FIG. 1 blocking means 20 of the invention comprises a plugwhich includes a blocking plate 22 and a positioning plate 24.

Blocking plate 22 is slightly domed but substantially flat and is shapedand of a size so that it blocks the entrance to the uterus when plug 20has been positioned. The blocking plate need be on the order of about 1/2. cm. in diameter in order to effectively block the entrance to theuterus when properly positioned.

Positioning plate 24 is relatively thick in its height dimension so thatit may be occluded and squeezed flat by the carrying means of theinsertion device for the plug, as described below. Plate 24 isrelatively long and narrow as shown in FIG. 3. The length is sufficientso that when the positioning plate has been passed through the wall ofthe uterus, it will be blocked from returning through the opening in thewall. The positioning plate is narrow so that it can be inserted in tobe carried by the narrow carrying means and to permit the carrying meansto orient plug 20 properly for insertion at an orientation which causesblocking plate 22 to block the entrance t the uterus.

Plates 22, 24 are joined by narrow stem 26. The stem is comprised of aresilient material which can be readily stretched. The thickness ofuterus walls varies, and it is intended that stem 26 may stretch to morethan twice its unstretched length to compensate for the variations. Theresilient stem draws the positioning and blocking plates 24, 22 towardeach other, thereby holding them in position. The stem must not exert apressure so great as to damage the uterine wall. The resilience of thestem also permits the positioning plate to be popped through the openingin the uterus wall when the plug is removed, as described below.

When plug 20 is positioned within uterus 12, as shown in FIG. 9,blocking plate 22 is canted obliquely with respect to the positioningplate 24, at an angle of about 45 so that the blocking plate willcompletely close off entrance It) to the uterus. The is necessitated bythe curvature of the uterine wall. To provide the necessary canting asshown in FIG. 1, substantially straight stem 26 meets each ofpositioning and blocking plates 24, 22 at an oblique angle.

Since plug 20 stays within the body of the female, it is comprised of aninert material. stretchable stem 26 of the plug is preferably comprisedof a filled rubber material, based upon trifluoropropylmethylsiloxaneunits, a proprietary product marketed under the trademark SILASTIC" byDow Coming Company, U.S.A. For simplicity of manufacture and forpermitting occlusion of positioning plate 24, as described below, theentire plug may be formed as a unit and of the same material.

Plug 20 has a removal means, suture 32, secured to it, which hangs freein uterus 12. The suture may be secured at the end of the plug or, asshown in FIG. 2, may pass entirely through the plug for bettersecurement thereto. When it is desired to remove plug 20, suture 32 isgrasped and plug 20 is pulled until positioning plate 24 is poppedthrough the opening in the uterus wall and the entire plug is within theuterus, from which it may be readily removed.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, an insertion device 40 for inserting plug 20in the uterus includes a tubular cannula 42, which has a narrowedforward section 43 that is supported at the forward end 43a of the mainbody of cannula 42. Forward section 43 is cut out at a slant 44 at itsforward end and terminates in a cutting blade 45 for cutting through thewall of the uterus. The cutting blade is defined by the sharpened edgeof the forward end of the cannula section 43. The cutting blade may berounded, as illustrated, or fonned into a sharpened point.

Rearward of cutting blade 45 is located a carrying means 46 for carryingpositioning plate 24 of plug 20. Means 46 includes the base panel 48,which is defined by one wall of cannula forward section 43. Above and inopposed relationship to base panel 48 are supported two holding panels50, 52, which are formed by cutting out of the walls around cannulaforward section 43. Panels 50, 52 wrap around the hollow 62 of thecannula forward section 43. Because base panel 48 and holding panels 50,52 are all part of the walls defining the forward section 43 of thecannula, the carrying means 46 of the cannula is rigid.

Respective facing edges 54, 56 of holding panels 50, 52 gradually tapertoward each other and form a narrowed notch 58 which is rearward ofedges 54, 56. Stem 26 of plug 20 can pass through notch 58.

For positioning plug 20 in carrying means 46, positioning plate 24 isslid and becomes trapped beneath holding panels 50, 52 and is then movedrearward, with the stem 26 moving through notch 58. The height ofpositioning plate 24 is such that it is occluded by holding panels 50,52 against base panel 48 and is thereby securely gripped as insertiondevice 40 emplaces plug 20.

Rearward of carrying means 46 is located a means for preventing cuttingblade 45 from moving too far through the opening that has been formed inthe uterine wall, thereby precluding damage to the abdomen. Thisprevention means comprises an outwardly projecting collar 59 or similarstopper device located about 1 A inches back from the tip of blade 45.Collar 59 must project far enough to block movement of knife 45 but notso far as to inhibit movement of shaft 42 through tube 72, as describedbelow.

An alternate form of cannula is shown in FIG. 4. The features in FIG. 4that correspond to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are correspondingly numberedwith prime numbers. Both forward section 43' of the alternate form ofcannula and the forward segment 61 of shaft 42' are gradually curved sothat the cutting blade 45' is oblique with respect to the main portionof shaft 42'. The curvature conforms to the gradual forward facingcurvature of the pmsage through the vagina, cervix and uterus tofacilitate the passage of the insertion device when that device is sooriented that the curvature of the insertion device conforms to that ofthe body. Both the forward section 43 and portion 61 of cannula 42 areformed of resilient material to enable them to flex to pass throughbelow described tube 72, but are sufficiently rigid to support blade 45'and plug 20 as they are operated into position. Forward section 43' iscapped by a cutting blade 45' made of metal. After cannula 42 is passedinto the uterus, it is rotated so that cutting blade 45' is able to makeits out off to the side of and near the entrance into the uterus fromthe oviduct. The orientation of the cutting blade also permits the angleof the cut through the wall of the uterus to facilitate properpositioning of a plug 20.

Returning to FIG. 2, cannula 42 is hollow, and within hollow opening 62is positioned rigid ejection rod 64 for plug 20. Rod 64 is of a width soas to engage and be guided by the narrowed interior walls 66 of cannulaforward section 43. Rod 64 is normally retracted away from plug 20. Oncepositioning plate 24 has been passed through the wall of the uterus andbeen properly located, operator 68 of ejection rod 64 is depressed, theejection rod moves forward into the cannula, and its forward end 69pushes positioning plate 24 of plug 20 out from beneath hold down panels50, 52, thereby releasing plug 20 from the cannula. The cannula maythereafter be removed without removing the plug.

An outer transport tube 72 is provided having a widened hollow opening74 therethrough, which is wide enough so that cannula 42, or 42' andplug 20 may freely pass. Forward end 73 of tube 72 is passed through thevagina and cervix 75 and into the uterus. Tube 72 serves as a sheathover cutting blade 45 during most of the travel of the cutting bladeinto the body of the female, thereby preventing unnecessary damage.

On the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4, the forward portion of tube 72 isalso gradually curved to conform to the curvature of the cannula passingtherethrough. Tube 72 can be oriented to cooperate with the curvature ofthe passage into the uterus to ease its insertion. Thereafter, it can bereoriented, like the cannula within it, so that the blade 45' will befacing in the desired direction and an opening can be made wheredescribed in the uterine wall.

Along the exterior of tube 72 is a dye carrying conduit 76. Transporttube 72 and conduit 76 may be jointly formed during a single extrusionoperation, as suggested in the structure of FIG. 5. Conduit 76 receivesand passes along an observable dye which is transmitted through theconduit into the uterus. A conventional pump means 78 pumps dye throughconduit 76, into the uterus and into the oviducts to pennit observationof the entire emplacement procedure. The dye is preferably of a typethat is opaque to X-rays, whereby conventional fluoroscopy apparatus 80may be used to observe the entire procedure.

To prevent dye that is pumped into the uterus from undesirably exitingthrough hollow 74 between the cannula 42 and outer tube 72, a collar orwasher 82 encircles the inner cannula and moves along with it as itpasses through the outer tube. The dimensions of the washer are such asto efi'ectively plug the opening between the cannula and the tube, whilepermitting cannula 42 to shift.

Using the apparatus just described, temporary sterilization of a femaleis accomplished in the following way. Positioning plate 24 of plug 20 ismoved into plug carrying means 46.

Transport tube 72 is positioned. Cannula 42' is passed, cutting blade45' first, through transport tube 72 and into the uterus as shown inFIG. 6. Observable dye is then pumped through dye carrying conduit 76into the uterus to facilitate observation of the further procedures.Cannula 42' and transport tube 72 are rotated so that blade 45 facestoward the side (left in FIG. 6) of the uterus where plug 20 is to bepositioned. Redirecting of cutting blade 45 also reorients plug 20 sothat when plug positioning plate 24 has been passed through the wall ofthe uterus, the plug will be oriented so that its blocking plate 22 willblock entrance to uterus 12.

Turning to Fig. 7, cannula 42 is now moved further through the uterusuntil blade 45' contacts and then cuts an opening 84 through the upperwall of the uterus and into the abdominal cavity. Cannula 42 is movedfurther into the uterus until carrying means 46' for positioning plate24 has pasted at least part way through the opening that has been cut inthe wall of the uterus. The cannula may be rotated or otherwisemanipulated to ensure that blocking plate 22 is properly oriented toblock entrance [0 to the uterus. During the operations upon positioningplate 24, stem 26 of plug will elongate.

Now, ejection rod 64' is operated (FIG. 8) to push positioning plate 24out from carrying means 46' so that plate 24 is above the wall of theuterus. During this entire procedure, the blocking plate remains withinthe uterus and is not moved through opening 84 in the wall of theuterus.

Cannula 42 is partially withdrawn through transport tube 72 (see FIG.9), but is not fully withdrawn so that the flow blocking ability ofwasher 82 still can be realized. Additional dye is pumped into theuterus and its course is observed to ensure that none leaks past theblocking plate 22 of plug 20. If none leaks past, then the female hasbeen temporarily sterilized. If any leaks past, plug 20 will have to befurther manipulated until blocking plate 22 is in position to preventany dye from passing by it.

Cannula 42 is then removed through transport tube 72, and the transporttube is thereafter removed.

When it is eventually decided to terminate the temporary sterilization,suture 32 is grasped and pulled to draw plug 20 completely into uterus12. Then the entire plug is withdrawn from the uterus.

There has just been described a novel means for and method oftemporarily sterilizing a female. Although this invention has beendescribed with respect to the embodiments of the apparatus and method ofthe invention, it should be understood that many variations andmodifications will now be obvious to those skilled in the art, and it ispreferred, therefore, that the scope of the invention not be limited bythe specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

1 claim:

1. Means for blocking the entrance into the uterus from an oviduct,comprising a plug comprising,

a blocking plate of a size and shape to be positioned within the uterusnear the inlet thereof from the oviduct and being of a size to blockexit material from the oviduct into the uterus, and vice versa; saidblocking plate being of sufficiently rigid material to maintain itsposition and perform its blocking function;

a positioning plate of a size and shape for being positioned outside theuterus within the abdominal cavity for holding said blocking plate inposition;

a narrowed connecting stem joining said blocking and said positioningplates for enabling said positioning plate to position said blockingplate; said stern and positioning plate being adapted to be insertedfrom within the uterus through an artificial opening in the wall of theuterus adjacent the inlet from the oviduct, and being of dimensions suchthat they can pass through said opening in the wall of the uterus whilesaid blocking plate would not as readily pass thereth rough.

2. The means of claim 1 for blocking the entrance into the uterus,wherein said stem is comprised of a resilient and stretchable material,whereby when said blocking means has been positioned, said blockingplate is drawn into blocking position and said positioning plate isdrawn against the exterior of the uterus.

3. The means of claim 2 for blocking the entrance into the uterus,wherein said blocking and said positioning plates are oblique to eachother to facilitate the proper positioning of said blocking plate andsaid stem holds said plates at the oblique orientation.

4. The means of claim 2 for blocking the entrance into the uterus,further comprising a removal means secured to said plug and extensibleinto the uterus for being grasped and operated upon to draw said plugentirely into the uterus.

5. In combination, the means of claim 1 for blocking the entrance intothe uterus, and an insertion device for inserting and positioning saidplug;

said insertion device comprising,

carrying means for carrying said plug into position; and

uterus wall opening means for forming an opening in the wall of theuterus through which opening said positioning plate and said stem may bepassed to position the blocking means.

6. The combination of claim 5, further comprising ejection means carriedby said insertion device and adapted to be operable to release said plugfrom said carrying means after said carrying means has carried said pluginto position in the uterus.

7. The combination of Claim 6, wherein said carrying means includessupport panels which engage and hold said positioning plate so that saidcarrying means may carry said positioning plate through the wall of theuterus to position said plug;

said ejection means comprising a rod adapted to be operated intoengagement with said positioning plate to eject same from said carryingmeans.

8. The combination of claim 5, wherein said carrying means includessupport panels which engage and hold said positioning plate so that saidcarrying means may carry said positioning plate through the wall of theuterus to position said plug.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said uterus wall opening meanscomprises a cutting blade;

a cannula comprising a support shaft which carries said carrying meansand positions and supports said blade forward of said carrying means;

whereby as said cannula is moved through the uterus, said blade cuts thewall of the uterus and passes through same, with said carrying meanscarrying said positioning plate through the opening in the wall of theuterus which has been formed by said blade.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said support shaft is graduallycurved in the vicinity of said blade to conform to the curvature of thepassage into the body.

11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said stem of said plug is shapedto cause said blocking and said positioning plates to be oblique to eachother to facilitate the proper positioning and blocking functions ofsaid blocking plate when said stem passes through the wall of theuterus;

said cutting blade being arranged at an angle oblique to said supportshaft therefor, so as to permit said cannula to pass straight into theuterus while also permitting said blade to cut the uterus ofi to theside and to be oriented to make the opening in the wall of the uterus ata desired angle to facilitate the proper positioning of said plug.

12. The combination of claim 9, further comprising ejection meanssupported on said shaft and movable therealong so as to be operable intoengagement to release said positioning plate from said carrying meansafter said carrying means has carried said positioning plate intoposition.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said support panels comprisetwo holding panels supported on said shaft, which panels gradually tapertoward each other away from said cutting blade; said holding panelsbeing supported above a base panel which is also supported on saidshaft, whereby said positioning plate can be trapped in the spacebetween said two holding panels and in the space between said base paneland said two holding panels.

14. The combination of claim 13. wherein said shaft is hollow and saidejection means comprises a rod within the hollow in said shaft; said rodbeing movable through said hollow of said shaft to contact saidpositioning plate and push same forward and away from said supportpanels of said carrying means.

15. In combination, the combination of claim 12 and a hollow transporttube having an outlet. which is positioned in the uterus. having aninlet, and having an opening therethrough through which said cuttingblade. said carrying means and said support shaft are passed into theuterus;

dye carrying means being connected to travel with said transport tubeand directed so as to dispense dye into the uterus to permit observationof the operations being performed in the uterus.

16. The combination of claim 15. wherein said transport tube isgradually curved in the vicinity of its outlet to conform to thecurvature of the passage into the body.

17. The combination of claim 15. wherein said dye transporting meanscomprises a conduit running along said transport tube with an exit nearsaid outlet from said tube.

18. The combination of claim 15. wherein a fluid flow obstructing washerencircles said shaft and engages the interior of said transport tube toprevent exit of dye from the uterus through the space between said shaftand said tube.

19. A method for temporarily sterilizing a female, comprising the stepsof:

positioning a blocking plate across the entrance into the uterus fromthe oviduct; and

securing the blocking plate in position by forming an opening throughthe wall of the uterus, passing a positioning plate, which is connectedto the blocking plate. through the opening in the wall of the uterus andpositioning the positioning plate outside the wall of the uterus.

20. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 19. wherein theopening is formed by cutting the wall of the \IBI'LIS- 21. The methodfor temporarily sterilizing of claim 20. comprising the additional stepsof pumping a detectable dye into the uterus before the wall of theuterus is cut so as to permit observation of the cutting of the wall ofthe uterus and the blocking of the entrance to the uterus; and

pumping a detectable dye into the uterus after the entrance to theuterus has been blocked to permit observation to assure that theentrance has been properly blocked.

22. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 21; including thesteps of pumping a radiopaque dye into the uterus and observing theuterus by fluoroscopy.

23. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 20 including thestep of mounting the positioning plate on a carrying means located on ashaft and then passing the shaft through the wall of the uterus to carrythe positioning plate through the wall; and ejecting the positioningplate from the carrying means to position it outside the wall of theuterus.

* i l I t

1. Means for blocking the entrance into the uterus from an oviduct, comprising a plug comprising, a blocking plate of a size and shape to be positioned within the uterus near the inlet thereof from the oviduct and being of a size to block exit material from the oviduct into the uterus, and vice versa; said blocking plate being of sufficiently rigid material to maintain its position and perform its blocking function; a positioning plate of a size and shape for being positioned outside the uterus within the abdominal cavity for holding said blocking plate in position; a narrowed connecting stem joining said blocking and said positioning plates for enabling said positioning plate to position said blocking plate; said stem and positioning plate being adapted to be inserted from within the uterus through an artificial opening in the wall of the uterus adjacent the inlet from the oviduct, and being of dimensions such that they can pass through said opening in the wall of the uterus while said blocking plate would not as readily pass therethrough.
 2. The means of claim 1 for blocking the entrance into the uterus, wherein said stem is comprised of a resilient and stretchable material, whereby when said blocking means has been positioned, said blocking plate is drawn into blocking position and said positioning plate is drawn against the exterior of the uterus.
 3. The means of claim 2 for blocking the entrance into the uterus, wherein said blocking and said positioning plates are oblique to each other to facilitate the proper positioning of said blocking plate and said stem holds said plates at the oblique orientation.
 4. The means of claim 2 for blocking the entrance into the uterus, further comprising a removal means secured to said plug and extensible into the uterus for being grasped and operated upon to draw said plug entirely into the uterus.
 5. In combination, the means of claim 1 for blocking the entrance into the uterus, and an insertion device for inserting and positioning said plug; said insertion device comprising, carrying means for carrying said plug into position; and uterus wall opening means for forming an opening in the wall of the uterus through which opening said positioning plate and said stem may be passed to position the blocking means.
 6. The combination of claim 5, further comprising ejection means carried by said insertion device and adapted to be operable to release said plug from said carrying means after said carrying means has carried said plug into position in the uterus.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein Said carrying means includes support panels which engage and hold said positioning plate so that said carrying means may carry said positioning plate through the wall of the uterus to position said plug; said ejection means comprising a rod adapted to be operated into engagement with said positioning plate to eject same from said carrying means.
 8. The combination of claim 5, wherein said carrying means includes support panels which engage and hold said positioning plate so that said carrying means may carry said positioning plate through the wall of the uterus to position said plug.
 9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said uterus wall opening means comprises a cutting blade; a cannula comprising a support shaft which carries said carrying means and positions and supports said blade forward of said carrying means; whereby as said cannula is moved through the uterus, said blade cuts the wall of the uterus and passes through same, with said carrying means carrying said positioning plate through the opening in the wall of the uterus which has been formed by said blade.
 10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said support shaft is gradually curved in the vicinity of said blade to conform to the curvature of the passage into the body.
 11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said stem of said plug is shaped to cause said blocking and said positioning plates to be oblique to each other to facilitate the proper positioning and blocking functions of said blocking plate when said stem passes through the wall of the uterus; said cutting blade being arranged at an angle oblique to said support shaft therefor, so as to permit said cannula to pass straight into the uterus while also permitting said blade to cut the uterus off to the side and to be oriented to make the opening in the wall of the uterus at a desired angle to facilitate the proper positioning of said plug.
 12. The combination of claim 9, further comprising ejection means supported on said shaft and movable therealong so as to be operable into engagement to release said positioning plate from said carrying means after said carrying means has carried said positioning plate into position.
 13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said support panels comprise two holding panels supported on said shaft, which panels gradually taper toward each other away from said cutting blade; said holding panels being supported above a base panel which is also supported on said shaft, whereby said positioning plate can be trapped in the space between said two holding panels and in the space between said base panel and said two holding panels.
 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein said shaft is hollow and said ejection means comprises a rod within the hollow in said shaft; said rod being movable through said hollow of said shaft to contact said positioning plate and push same forward and away from said support panels of said carrying means.
 15. In combination, the combination of claim 12 and a hollow transport tube having an outlet, which is positioned in the uterus, having an inlet, and having an opening therethrough through which said cutting blade, said carrying means and said support shaft are passed into the uterus; dye carrying means being connected to travel with said transport tube and directed so as to dispense dye into the uterus to permit observation of the operations being performed in the uterus.
 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein said transport tube is gradually curved in the vicinity of its outlet to conform to the curvature of the passage into the body.
 17. The combination of claim 15, wherein said dye transporting means comprises a conduit running along said transport tube with an exit near said outlet from said tube.
 18. The combination of claim 15, wherein a fluid flow obstructing washer encircles said shaft and engages the interior of said transport tube to prevent exit of dye from the uterus through the space between said shaft and said tube.
 19. A methOd for temporarily sterilizing a female, comprising the steps of: positioning a blocking plate across the entrance into the uterus from the oviduct; and securing the blocking plate in position by forming an opening through the wall of the uterus, passing a positioning plate, which is connected to the blocking plate, through the opening in the wall of the uterus and positioning the positioning plate outside the wall of the uterus.
 20. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 19, wherein the opening is formed by cutting the wall of the uterus.
 21. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 20, comprising the additional steps of pumping a detectable dye into the uterus before the wall of the uterus is cut so as to permit observation of the cutting of the wall of the uterus and the blocking of the entrance to the uterus; and pumping a detectable dye into the uterus after the entrance to the uterus has been blocked to permit observation to assure that the entrance has been properly blocked.
 22. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 21; including the steps of pumping a radiopaque dye into the uterus and observing the uterus by fluoroscopy.
 23. The method for temporarily sterilizing of claim 20 including the step of mounting the positioning plate on a carrying means located on a shaft and then passing the shaft through the wall of the uterus to carry the positioning plate through the wall; and ejecting the positioning plate from the carrying means to position it outside the wall of the uterus. 